Crispy air fryer broccoli with lemon Parmesan is a quick side with browned edges and tender stems. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes, then cook the broccoli for 8–10 minutes per batch, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the lemon and Parmesan after cooking so the broccoli stays crisp and the cheese clings to the hot florets.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into similar-size florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
This makes about four side-dish servings. A pound of broccoli may need two batches in a smaller air fryer; give the florets a little room rather than piling them up.
How To Make It
Rinse the broccoli under running water and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. Cut larger florets into pieces roughly the same size as the smaller ones, trimming thick stems so they cook evenly. Dry broccoli browns more readily than wet broccoli.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until lightly coated. Arrange them in a single, loose layer in the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes per batch, shaking the basket after about 4–5 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes: the broccoli should have browned, crisp-looking tips and stems that are tender when pierced with a fork. If it needs more time, cook in 1-minute increments, watching closely so the small tips do not burn.
Transfer the hot broccoli to a serving bowl. Toss with the lemon juice, then sprinkle on the Parmesan and toss gently once more. Serve right away for the best texture.
Tips
Keep the basket uncrowded. Overlapping florets trap moisture and brown less evenly. If cooking two batches, finish and dress them together just before serving.
Save the lemon for last. Adding juice before air frying makes the broccoli wetter; a squeeze after cooking gives it a brighter finish without interfering with browning.
Adjust for your machine. Small florets and powerful air fryers can brown quickly, so check early. If the tips are darkening before the stems soften, cut the stems thinner next time.
This easy air fryer broccoli brings a bright, savory finish to dinner.
